Here you will find the Ramblings of an overly enthusiastic, overly stressed, and overly verbose Mad Stitcher. I will be sharing my thoughts on life, stitching, books, travels and generally anything that pops into my mind. You will also be able to read my little stories. I love to write short stories of all types and will enjoy sharing them with you here.
Come join me for a laugh or two and maybe a tear or two as well.

Monday, July 22, 2013

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in a book tour for J. Daniel Parra and his new book Pieces of Tracy. I didn't know what I was getting into but I said yes. I thought we were talking about a simple review as I have done before. That, however, I have discovered was not the case and I have let Daniel down in a big way. I can only apologize to him and his publisher as well as to each of you. The book is fabulous and it deserves much more than I can give it here. You really need to read this one! I wish I could go back and do it over. I actually had the chance to interview Daniel but didn't realize it. What did I miss?

ABOUT THE BOOK(from the media kit)

Meet Teresa Felicia Santana
León. In New York, she’s Tracy León, a would-be artist and telemarketer
who falls for an older tycoon, Bruce Babich. When Bruce’s mother sends
her to Rome to find a stolen painting, Tracy assumes an alter ego, the
zesty Felicia Santana. In Rome, she meets a younger artist named Mario
Giordani who helps her on her quest.

Before long, she is juggling two
romances and two distinct identities: Tracy, demure trophy wife wannabe
in New York’s high society, and wanton, thrill-seeking Felicia in
sultry Rome. Against the backdrop of these exciting cities, she follows
her divided heart, even if it leads her in the wrong direction.

The secrets behind the stolen painting send her on an unforgettable
journey that prompts her to re-examine her own talents and inspirations.
As the pieces come together, Tracy faces a life-changing choice, one
that will lead to surprising discoveries about love and her own
identity.http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/pieces-tracy

My Thoughts:Dual personalities...boy, do I understand those! Tracy/Felicia has two personalities, two love interest, and two wonderful cities to live in and explore. Although I didn't always understand Tracy's actions, I could relate to her dual personage. I do disagree with some of her choices. The characters are well developed and Daniel does a wonderful job expressing the contrasts between the two identities and how they affect the other. Although we see that Tracy will never really change we also see her begin to take risks and explore the art she loves so much. So maybe this is a change after all. This is a very complex situation with humorous moments and it shows insights into the world of art and psyche. The locations are breath-taking and well described. I felt the heartbeat of of the cities and I want to visit them but must do so vicariously. I give this one a thumbs up for a wonderful and pleasurable read.For a more comprehensive review (as it should have been here) and an interview with Daniel please check out http://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.com.I promise the next time I have an opportunity like this one I will recognize it and take advantage of it.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I have been very busy for the last couple of months...Where did the time go? I have been stitching for one thing. I just finished up four models for one of my designers but I cannot show them to you at the moment. They should be released shortly, however.I have also been working on my own designs for release in September and February. I am hoping to release 4 in September and 2 or 3 at Market in Nashville. But we will see if I make it.

I haven't really felt like doing any deep thinking, complex reading so I have been reading my cozy mysteries. I find that whenever I just want some light easy enjoyable reading a good cozy mystery is what fits the bill. So over the last two months I have read all 19 of the Hannah Swenson Bakery Mysteries by Joanne Fluke.

My review is simple. These are quick and enjoyable and simple to read. I love mysteries and these are easy to solve but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting. My only question is...Will Hannah ever choose which guy she wants!?

I suggest reading them in order to get the background information as it was given. If you want to do the same then the correct order to read them is as follows:

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About Me

I am a retired nurse that has become a professional stitcher. I model stitch for several well known designers as well as doing consignment stitching. I have recently begun my own design company--Lady K Needlearts-- and have several cross stitch designs available. I am a widow and have an adult son who is the light of my life.

Stitched Needlework Art & Consignment Pieces

SPECIAL ORDER only!

The MadStitcher now offers consignment stitching and Needlework Art pieces for sale. Needlework Art is completely stitched, but not framed or finished needlework design pieces, unless otherwise noted. These are heirloom quality needlework pieces which are stitched on high quality fabrics.

The pieces are ready to frame or finish. They can be taken to your local needlework shop or frame shop for appropriate finishing. All pieces will come to you with a list of suggestions and ideas for finishing and/or displaying the piece.

All will arrive with a certificate stating the design name, company name, the designers name, who stitched the piece and the year purchased.

*** Consignment pieces will not be stitched until ordered with a 1/2 of the price down payment, which can be made by cashier's check, money order or by using PayPal. The pieces will take anywhere from 2-9 months to stitch. Please ask for length of stitching time estimates. You may make payments each month based upon the estimated time for stitching, again please ask for details. Payment if full is expected before the piece is mailed.

Once an order has been placed, the first payment has to be made before the stitching will commence. The first payment is for buying the stitching supplies and therefore is non-refundable unless agreed to by me and a 10% cancellation fee will be applied.

Personalizing pieces such as wedding samplers, birth samplers and Christmas Stockings, are included in the cost. However, if other pieces are personalized an extra charge will be added. Finishing is also extra. No framing will be done.

Samplers which normally have the needle workers initials and the date stitched will be stitched using the initials of the stitcher and the date completed.

For pricing and more information about consignment stitching please email me at kathy@madstitcher.com.